§ 14. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Labour what steps were taken by his Department to survey the local position before assuring the President of the Board of Trade that, in the event of Messrs. Scott & Fife's weaving mill in Tayport being closed down there would be no difficulty for the workers so displaced in obtaining employment locally or in the near vicinity of Tayport; what alternative work he has designated for them, and where?
§ Mr. BevinThe plans for the reconcentration of the jute industry, of which the proposal to close this mill is part, were considered carefully by my Department in consultation with the Board of Trade. The selection of this mill for closing was made on production grounds; 841 but after local inquiry by my Regional officers I informed my right hon. Friend that apart from those going into His Majesty's Forces, no difficulty was anticipated in placing the remainder in employment locally or in the near vicinity. Thus employment would be in Tayport itself or in Cupar and at a later stage in Dundee. In regard to the last named, it may be necessary to make certain temporary arrangements for the workpeople concerned until local employment becomes available.
Mr. StewartIs my right hon. Friend aware that information in Tayport is to the effect that employment will not be found for these people? Will he make careful inquiries into that position?